Some of this is hard to read, but knowing it in advance is the difference between a phone call and a loss. Call a vet the same day if you see: straining or contractions for more than 30 to 45 minutes with no soupling delivered, a soupling visibly stuck, heavy or continuous bleeding, a green or foul smelling discharge, or a mother who goes quiet, cold and unresponsive after or during birth. Also call if she stops eating and drinking, if her breathing becomes laboured, or if her belly feels hot and hard. Mastitis shows as a hot, red, lumpy gland and needs treatment quickly. For the babies: a soupling that is cold, thin, grey toned or has no milk band is in trouble. Scattered babies outside the nest usually means the mother is unwell, overwhelmed, or the nest is too disturbed. Mothers sometimes lose or cull part of a litter. It is common, it is not your fault, and it does not mean she is a bad mother. A first time mother in a stressful cage is far more likely to struggle, so quiet matters more than anything you can buy. Mischief is not a vet. If something feels wrong, it is worth the call.